Iphone vs. Android

Iphone vs. Android

At the end of the 2011 fiscal year, Android phones crept just above iPhones in overall sales. Apple had been at the top of the list and unparalleled since the dawn of the iPhone. While there seems to be an ongoing debate over which is better, the iPhone and Android smartphones have many similarities and differences to consider.

Apple's iPhone OS and Google's Android OS have many components in common; both are Linux-based operating systems for smartphones, but there are some dramatic differences that make these platforms almost very different. The iPhone's OS is completely closed. This means that it is being developed by Apple and used exclusively for Apple products. The only smartphones that will ever run the iPhone are manufactured by only this one company.

Android, on the other hand, is open. This means that it is being developed primarily by Google, and with the help of a group of companies. Many of the members of this group, the Open Handset Alliance (OHA), will release smartphones based on the Android operating system. Some of these companies include HTC, Samsung, and Motorola. There are advantages and disadvantages to both operating systems, and the competition between the two platforms is going to shape the smartphone market for years to come.

Both the iPhone and Android platforms offer many similar features that are appealing to the user. Both have a fairly long battery life, single and dual cameras that also take video, easy uploading to Facebook, Twitter, etc., Wi-FI and Bluetooth capabilities, touch screen, and keyboard display. You can download and purchase apps for both platforms through their respective “Stores” and many of the same apps are created to use both operating systems. When it comes to the number of apps available, the iPhone App Store and Google Play Store are neck and neck.

A unique feature afforded by Android is its integration with Google. Google has become a giant in recent years which offers a free email client called...